Batteries in the fridge

It even applies to almost all chemical reactions.

Anybody remember zinc-carbon cells? IIRC, it was recommended that spares of them be kept in the refrigerator, because the cold temp. slows down the chemical reaction that leads to self-discharge.

Two questions: A, is that true, and B, does the same apply to new alkalines?

(I needed two AA's for my wall clock, and a four-pack was on sale for four bucks, so I'll have two lying around until I need them for whichever appliance needs batteries next.)

Thanks, Rich The chemical reaction would be slowed but it's generally accepted that it's not good for batteries or at least not necessary. Tom.

Who is this General guy?

Chances are (i.e. they haven't been sitting on the store shelf for five years) that they'll be fine when you need them. Referating them won't hurt them and will help shelf-life.

You got ripped off. They're 36 for $12 at the BORG and off-brand, but just as good, are $20/hundred.

My real world experience (6 years with a wireless alarm system) has shown Duiracells to deliver more consistent voltage in varied temperatures than any other brand (including the other "name" brands). The remote alarm sensors may be anywhere from 35F to 95F over a period of months and the Duracells have fewer low voltage alarms.

John

Who is this General guy?

Well, there are many sources if you don't like one.

The quotes from Duracell and Energizer checked out. You may do your own checking and rebut if you like. Tom

of

ur

t's

Interesting, They never say that cooling doesn't prolong shelf life, only that it's not recommended. I put epoxies in the frig.

George H.

The Eveready Site posts the following: Should I store alkaline batteries in the refrigerator? Storing batteries in refrigerators or freezers is not required or recommended for batteries produced today. In fact, cold temperature storage can harm batteries. To maximize performance and shelf life, store batteries at normal room temperatures with moderate humidity levels

Did you measure their energy? For most applications that's all that matters.

Sjouke Burry:

Almost?

George Herold:

Probably the difference is so small that is not noticeable.

And cyanoacrilate too. And lithium batteries.

Whether or not there could be harm to the battery, there is a good change for harm to the device you put it into. Unless you let the battery warm up to room temperature first, it is likely to cause condensation on the inside of the device... not a good idea.

Best regards,

Bob Masta DAQARTA v5.10 Data AcQuisition And Real-Time Analysis

Rich Grise Inscribed thus:

I keep all my batteries in the fridge ! Just stick them in a ziplock bag with a pouch of silica gel. I've done it for a good few years. Works for me. :-)

Bob Masta Inscribed thus:

I'll second that. The larger metal cased batteries can soon get wet from condensation seconds after taking them out of the fridge. They need a little time to acclimatise before they can produce full power anyway.

I think he's "They's" brother. (as in "they say..."). ;-)

Cheers! Rich

...

I buy my epoxy in that double-syringe thing, and after squirting the two beads onto my mixing surface, I pull back on the plunger, wipe off the nozzle, stick the little red nozzle plug back in, and hang the double syringe by the plug.

Superglue and RTV, however, it doesn't seem to matter how you store the rest of the tube, it always hardens before the next time I need superglue or RTV. )-;

Cheers! Rich

RTV you need to use once a week (it cures about 1mm per day and plugs bigger than 7mm are hard to clear) or you need to seal the tip several layers of plastic packing tape seems to work, I use the cheap stuff - clear tape with opaque brown adhesive.

Superglue lasts longer if kept dry and cool with the tip facing upwards. I get 4+ months per tube.

I just stick a 3" #8 screw in the end of the tube.

res

With the big tubes of RTV, I stick a long dry wall screw into the end before I put it away. Then when I use it again, pulling out the dry wall screw (usually) pulls the RTV plug with it.

George H.